In this episode of Inside Social Work, I am joined by psychologist and researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins for an honest, reflective conversation about the professional and emotional impact of client suicide.

We discuss the emotional aftermath, ethical concerns, and the invisible weight carried by clinicians, social workers, and mental health practitioners.

Whether you've experienced this personally or are supporting someone who has, this episode offers insight, validation and guidance.

Key takeaways

• Why suicide loss can feel isolating for professionals

• The unspoken guilt, shame and fear that often accompany a client death

• How organisations and colleagues can support impacted staff

• The importance of reflective practice and clinical supervision

• Balancing professional responsibility with human vulnerability

• Navigating coronial investigations and confidentiality concerns

• Reframing grief and finding space to heal

About the Guest:

Dr Bronwyn Milkins (PhD, MPsych) is a psychologist and researcher whose passions are working therapeutically with neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ clients with trauma, advocacy on equitable and accessible mental health care, and supporting diversity in the mental health workforce. Bronwyn’s current research aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people who experience trauma-related dissociation. She also hosts the popular 'Mental Work' podcast which exists to support Australian mental health workers.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources

• Royal College of Psychiatrists – If a Patient Dies by Suicide (PDF)
• APA – Coping with Patient Suicide
• IASP – Guidelines to Assist Clinical Staff After Suicide

🎙️ If this topic resonates with you, or if you’re navigating the loss of a client, this episode might offer some comfort or perspective.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

What does it really mean to work in this space? To support others, hold complex stories, and still show up with care?

In this new season of Inside Social Work, I’m having real, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about life as a social worker and allied health professional. Whether you’re just starting, mid-career, or wondering what’s next, this season is for you.

We’ll explore supervision, burnout, grief, identity shifts, cultural safety, politics, money, and the things that impact our work but rarely get talked about in training.

I'll be sharing reflections, research, and stories from the field, with a mix of expert voices and everyday practitioners.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I doing enough?” or “Does anyone else feel like this?”, you’re not alone.

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Workplace bullying, burnout, and work-related stress are significant issues that can have detrimental effects on individuals in various professions. It's essential to recognise the signs of workplace bullying, take action early, and prioritise self-care to prevent long-term negative effects on mental and physical health.

In this episode, our guest, Frances Caile shares her experiences and insights on workplace bullying, burnout, and work-related stress. She explains how she was drawn to social work and her transition to private practice to have more time to do good work without the politics of organisations and paperwork. She discusses her motivation for setting up her private practice and her specialisations in workplace bullying, burnout, and workplace stress.

• Key Takeaways:
• 
  
• Workplace bullying is defined as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety
• 
  
• Examples of workplace bullying include spreading rumours, excluding or isolating someone socially, intimidation, threatening a person's role or performance, undermining or impeding a person's work, and withholding necessary information
• 
  
• Workplace bullying can have serious consequences on the mental and physical health of the victims, and it's important to seek assistance and support early to prevent long-term negative effects
• 
  
• Work-related stress and burnout are common in high-stress roles such as social work, teaching, and healthcare, as well as in resource-constrained environments with high turnover and competition for promotion
• 
  
• It's crucial to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and seek support when experiencing work-related stress and burnout to prevent long-term physical and mental health issues.

Contact details for Frances

https://www.stresssupport.com.au/

Promo code for working ISW2023 for 20% off

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